Hi, there – just a quick update. For the first time in ages I’ve put something new over on my Books and Music page–I’ve embarked on a mission to read “all the books I should have read by now.”

You’ll find a description of what I’m reading now, and what I’m planning to read next. But I’d like to hear from you about what books you think every grown-up should have read, or should read, prior to the demise of their senses and sensibilities – HA.

I confess everything on my current list is from the “canon” created largely by Dead White Males (with their grudging inclusion of Jane Austen, of course) and assigned in high schools and colleges of the middle part of the last century, so I’m particularly in need of suggestions of titles that provide broader and more diverse points of view. That isn’t to say that I’m not looking for more of the “classics” that I should have read by now, but I am also aware of the lack of representation of diverse voices in the classic lists of … erm, classics.

So have at it, readers (and you read blogs, so I KNOW you read books) and overwhelm me with the breadth and depth of your literary knowledge. Because one thing we all should have learned from this prolonged and painful pandemic is that time is precious and is not to be squandered on trivial things like reality TV. I make exceptions of course for binge watching great shows like Schitt’s Creek, Shameless (up to season 10, there), Regency costume dramas (but what was up with that pinched in waistline on on Lady Featherington and those bodices that cut busts in half on Bridgerton?) or pretty much anything Masterpiece.

If you’re not working in an essential job or teetering on the brink of insanity caring for cabin-fevered, home-schooled kids while also trying to work from home, I’m hoping you’ve spent some of your time sequestered at home through all this coming up with your desert island list of must-have books. Can’t wait to see the 10, 50 or 100 titles you’ll recommend! Throw you list in the comments and let’s get reading!

Until then, I remain,

your not-well-read-enough-yet-even-at-my-age,

Ridiculouswoman